The options at a glance
| Option | Implants per jaw | Fixed or removable | Bone needed | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implant overdenture | 2–4 | Removable by you | Moderate | Loose lower denture, lower budget |
| All-on-4 | 4 | Fixed | Less at the back, as rear implants are angled | Most people wanting fixed teeth |
| All-on-6 | 6 or more | Fixed | More | Good bone, strong bite |
| Basal implants | Several | Fixed | Uses dense deep bone | Thin bone, avoiding grafts |
| Zygomatic implants | 2–4 in the cheekbone, with others | Fixed | Very little upper bone | Severe upper bone loss |
Four questions that decide it
1. Do you want fixed or removable teeth? Fixed teeth (All-on-4, All-on-6, basal, zygomatic) are never taken out. Overdentures come out for cleaning but don’t move when you eat.
2. How much bone do you have? A 3D CBCT scan shows the height and width of bone and where the sinus and nerve sit. That decides how many implants can go in and where.
3. How strong is your bite? Heavy biters and grinders benefit from more implants and stronger materials.
4. What’s your budget? An overdenture needs fewer implants and costs least. Fixed options cost more but replace everything with teeth that stay put.
What the research says
A systematic review of the All-on-4 concept found that 94% to 98% of implants were still working after six to eleven years, with no difference between the straight and the angled implants. The commonest problem was fracture of the acrylic teeth, which can be repaired, and is one reason the final teeth are usually made on a strong framework.
Fixed teeth: what they’re made of
The teeth on a full arch, sometimes called a hybrid denture, are usually acrylic or composite on a metal framework, or zirconia. Zirconia is stronger and resists staining but costs more. Acrylic is lighter, kinder to the opposing teeth and easier to repair.
How we plan it
Prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary designs the teeth first and works backwards to where the implants go, with our implantologist and, for zygomatic cases, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Planning uses a 3D scan, often with guided surgery. You’ll get each suitable option in writing, with its fee. See the implant cost guide.
Questions patients ask us
What is the best option for full-mouth implants?
For most people who want fixed teeth and have reasonable bone, All-on-4 or All-on-6. For a stable but removable option at lower cost, an implant overdenture. With very little bone, basal or zygomatic implants can avoid grafting.
Can I get fixed teeth the same day?
Often, yes. With All-on-4, and with basal implants, a fixed temporary arch is commonly fitted within a day or a few days of surgery, if the implants are stable enough.
How long does full-mouth implant treatment take?
From the first scan to final teeth is usually three to six months, with temporary teeth in between. Grafting adds time.
What if I've been told I don't have enough bone?
That isn't always the end of the road. Angled implants (All-on-4), basal implants, zygomatic implants or bone grafting can each solve it in different situations.
Is a full-mouth implant better than dentures?
For stability, chewing and comfort, yes. Regular dentures remain a good option when surgery isn't advisable.
Sources
Gaonkar et al., axial and tilted implants with the All-on-four concept: systematic review, J Indian Prosthodont Soc, 2021 ↗Feine et al., The McGill consensus statement on overdentures, Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 2002 ↗ADA MouthHealthy: dental implants ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.